Chapter 149: The Fifth Princess Consort

Chapter 149: The Fifth Princess Consort

Concubine Yi had been summoned by Empress Dowager De, and An Qing’s first reaction was that Empress Dowager De might be looking for trouble with Concubine Yi.

Empress Dowager De was now the Empress Dowager, and things were different from before. If Concubine Yi still confronted her as she used to, she might suffer a loss.

But despite An Qing’s worry, she couldn’t think of any way to help, so she could only fret in the room.

"Mother, don't worry. You know what kind of temper Empress Dowager De has; she isn’t one to take things lying down," Yalic comforted her.

An Qing waved her hand and replied, "You don’t understand."

Times have changed.

Yalic looked puzzled, thinking, what was there not to understand? Even if the Empress Dowager was powerful, she couldn’t control everything. As long as her mother didn’t do anything wrong, it wouldn’t be easy for the Empress Dowager to find fault.

Moreover, she had heard that the relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor’s uncle was quite tense these days, so she wasn’t entirely confident either.

As it turned out, Yalic’s prediction was accurate. Just as An Qing was considering asking the Empress for help to visit Empress Dowager De, Concubine Yi returned leisurely, looking quite pleased.

Seeing her face, it seemed she hadn’t suffered any indignity.

Concubine Yi huffed arrogantly and said, "What indignity could I suffer? Her Empress Dowager’s airs won’t affect me. I don’t buy into her nonsense."

She was going to retire to the Fifth Prince’s residence today, and her mood was excellent, so she wouldn’t let Empress Dowager De’s words upset her.

However, Empress Dowager De had indeed summoned her to assert her authority and settle old scores. But Concubine Yi, having navigated the palace for years, knew how to feign compliance while harboring defiance. Whatever Empress Dowager De said, she simply listened without taking it to heart, and thus remained unaffected.

After all, Concubine Xianfu was even more arrogant than Empress Dowager De back then. If Concubine Yi had been easily provoked, she would have been driven mad long ago.

"Mother, you’re truly adaptable and impressive!" An Qing gave her a thumbs up, genuinely impressed.

She knew Concubine Yi wasn’t impulsive, but given that they had both been concubines for years, with Concubine Yi slightly senior to Empress Dowager De, An Qing feared she might struggle to adjust to the new dynamics now that Empress Dowager De was the most respected woman in the palace.

Concubine Yi waved her hand dismissively.

How could it be the same? Back then, she was assertive among the four concubines because they were equals. If she hadn’t been assertive, she would have appeared inferior. She never thought herself superior to Empress Dowager De in terms of background, offspring, or favor.

So, there was nothing to adjust to now.

Besides, Concubine Yi could see that Empress Dowager De was unhappy being the Empress Dowager.

Yes, she wanted to be the Empress Dowager and have her son ascend the throne, but not the current Emperor, rather her favored Fourteenth Prince.

Seeing Empress Dowager De’s demeanor today, Concubine Yi was genuinely perplexed. She had always been adept at gauging Emperor Kangxi’s thoughts and acting flawlessly in the palace. How had she become like this?

Concubine Yi never expected her to act so recklessly. During Emperor Kangxi’s funeral, Empress Dowager De publicly demanded to accompany him in death, showing no regard for her fourth son.

Emperor Kangxi had always advocated filial piety. With the new Emperor just ascending the throne, his own mother demanding to die with the previous Emperor would certainly tarnish his reputation among officials.

Now that things had come to this, what was the point of causing such a fuss? Did she really expect the Fourth Prince to abdicate in favor of the Fourteenth Prince? It was sheer folly.

The more she antagonized the Fourth Prince, the worse it would be for the Fourteenth Prince in the court.

Hmph, perhaps it was because Empress Dowager De had lived too comfortably in recent years.

Back then, the Fourteenth Prince was favored, and the succession seemed assured. Now that her hopes were dashed, she was acting out of spite.

Concubine Yi had already packed her belongings. Yesterday, Yinqi had sent people to move most of them to the residence. Today, An Qing came specifically to escort her.

However, since Concubine Yi was leaving, other concubines residing in the Shoukang Palace came to bid farewell. The first to arrive were Concubine Hui and Imperial Concubine Rong.

An Qing hadn’t seen Concubine Hui in a long time. Since the Elder Brother Prince was confined, she had withdrawn from public life, even missing important festivals. Seeing her now, An Qing was surprised by how much she had aged.

But then she remembered that Concubine Hui was getting older and had endured many stresses over the years, which naturally accelerated her aging.

After chatting for a while, Imperial Concubine Rong sighed and said, "You’re fortunate, Sister. To be able to leave the palace early and retire to your son’s residence, you’ll surely live a peaceful life."

Concubine Yi glanced at her and smiled, "Sister, don’t worry. In due time, the Astronomical Bureau will choose an auspicious day for you, and Third Prince will also welcome you to his residence."

According to Emperor Kangxi’s will, the eligible concubines for retirement were Imperial Concubine Rong, Concubine Yi, Seventh Prince’s mother Dai Jiashi, and Twelfth Prince’s mother Wanliuha.

However, by seniority, Third Prince should have been allowed to take Imperial Concubine Rong out first, but Emperor Yongzheng deliberately delayed it, claiming the Astronomical Bureau deemed it inauspicious. Instead, Concubine Yi was allowed to move to Prince Heng’s Palace first.

It was clear to everyone that Emperor Yongzheng was doing this intentionally, to avenge Thirteenth Prince, now the Prince Yi.

The saying “a new emperor brings new ministers” was evident in the contrast between Third Prince and Thirteenth Prince. In Emperor Kangxi’s late reign, Third Prince was a prince and well-favored, while Thirteenth Prince was sidelined. Now, under Emperor Yongzheng, Thirteenth Prince was favored instead.

Thus, Third Prince was indeed struggling, not just with Imperial Concubine Rong’s delayed departure but also facing increasing opposition in the court.

Imperial Concubine Rong sighed heavily, "I can endure staying here, but Third Prince..."

She then turned to An Qing and said, "Fifth Prince’s wife, I know you and Fifth Prince are close to Thirteenth Prince. Could you please mediate on our behalf? After all, they are brothers; misunderstandings can be resolved."

An Qing showed no emotion but felt a hint of irony inside.

Misunderstandings?

The conflict between Third Prince and Thirteenth Prince went beyond simple misunderstandings. During the first dethronement of the Crown Prince, Third Prince’s actions deepened Emperor Kangxi’s suspicions of Thirteenth Prince, leading to his difficult situation.

Though Thirteenth Prince later served in the Agricultural Administration Department, he had suffered for years. Who could easily forgive such grievances?

Moreover, Imperial Concubine Rong was playing a clever game. She claimed she didn’t mind staying, but Emperor Kangxi’s will would eventually force her departure. Claiming brotherhood was a joke; Third Prince hadn’t shown mercy when it mattered.

Respecting her seniority, An Qing couldn’t say much, but Concubine Yi had no such reservations.

"Sister, don’t make it hard for the children. They want to help, but everything has its cause and effect. Third Prince’s situation is beyond their control."

Imperial Concubine Rong couldn't help but be taken aback, opening her mouth as if to say something more, but An Qing and Concubine Yi clearly had no intention of engaging with her.

Forget it, forget it. She had only been trying her luck anyway, not expecting much.

But when she thought about it carefully, although she didn't know when she could leave, at least she had some hope. Empress Hui, on the other hand, was in a much worse situation. With Elder Brother Prince now under confinement, she had nowhere to go and could only stay in Shoukang Palace with the other concubines.

Empress Hui wore a worried expression, obviously forcing a smile. Since entering, she had spoken only a few words at first and then remained silent, sitting there like an invisible person, devoid of her former presence.

Seeing her current state, Concubine Yi couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for her. Though they had competed in the imperial harem for years, it was all about gaining favor, nothing too serious. Now that Kangxi was gone, those past matters seemed to have faded away.

"Hui elder sister, don't worry. Eighth Prince grew up by your side and was once registered under your name, so he is considered your adopted son. In the future, he will be a place for you."

Empress Hui was taken aback. Go to the Eighth Prince's residence?

It was indeed a good choice.

As a former head of a palace, she now had to share quarters with other concubines in Shoukang Palace. It was supposed to be a place for retirement, but it was essentially no different from a cold palace. The cramped living conditions were one thing, but there was no hope for the future.

If she could really go to the Eighth Prince's residence, it would be better. Over the years, Empress Hui had lost her ambition, only wishing for a quiet courtyard to live out her days.

"Thank you for your comfort. I hope so."

Looking at Concubine Yi, Empress Hui couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

After decades in the imperial harem, they—Hui, Yi, De, and Rong—all had their moments of favor and glory. Now that they were old, it seemed that Concubine Yi was living the best life.

Her two sons had managed to extricate themselves from the struggle for succession and maintained a good relationship. With the fourth son now emperor and the fifth son always close to him, their future would be secure.

Most importantly, Fifth Prince's wife and Concubine Yi had always gotten along well, ensuring a comfortable life for the rest of her days.

Truly, she had a good fate.

Concubine Yi herself felt this way, which is why she left the palace without any reluctance, feeling a sense of relief as if stepping out of a cage.

Standing at the palace gate, she looked back at the place that had held her for most of her life, feeling a sense of disorientation, remembering the day she entered the palace for the selection, standing at the gate full of anticipation and longing.

Once through the palace gates, the depth of life within was profound; looking back, it all seemed futile.

Concubine Yi silently sighed, then turned and got into the carriage. "Let's go."

An Qing, followed by Yalic, quickly boarded the carriage, while Hongang mounted his horse. They headed towards Prince Heng's Palace.

In the carriage, An Qing thought about how Concubine Yi stood at the palace gate earlier, recalling what she had read online about many elderly people experiencing various forms of discomfort, loss, and a sense of worthlessness after retirement.

Though she didn't fully understand these feelings, she decided to comfort Concubine Yi.

"Mama, I've finally been able to bring you here. Now there's someone who can help me."

Concubine Yi looked at her in confusion. "What can I help you with?"

She knew nothing about farming.

An Qing waved her hand. "Who needs you for farming? It's about taking care of the children. There are quite a few kids in the house now, and I'll rely on you."

Last year, Hong Zhi's wife, Yirgenjueluo, gave birth to a little prince who just started walking. It would be perfect for Concubine Yi to enjoy her grandchildren.

Also, Hongsheng's wife, besides Yongfu, gave birth to another little princess this year. The house was bustling with activity.

Hearing this, Concubine Yi couldn't help rolling her eyes. "You're shameless. Are you planning to have me take care of your children and then your grandchildren?"

Thinking about it made her speechless. Hong Zhi was fine, but after having twins, she found the noise unbearable and often sent them to the palace.

At that time, Empress Dowager was getting older, so Concubine Yi didn't want to burden her too much. Thus, she only brought the children over for a few hours during the day, leaving them mostly in Yikun Palace.

Concubine Yi found it both frustrating and amusing.

An Qing exclaimed, "Mama, we're mother and daughter, why should we be so formal? Besides, the children love you because you look beautiful. What can we do about it?"

Over the years, Concubine Yi had become immune to her sweet talk. Besides, she was already at an age where beauty was a distant memory.

She hummed, "Don't flatter me. I'm here to rest."

An Qing smiled and continued to coax her. "Alright, alright. We'll make sure you rest well. If you find the house uncomfortable, we can go to the estate. I spend most of my time there anyway. It's peaceful and serene, and we can take you around whenever we have the chance..."

In short, now that she was free, she would live comfortably.

*

This time, An Qing returned from the estate not only to pick up her beautiful mother-in-law but also to attend a banquet at the Eighth Prince's residence.

After Yongzheng ascended the throne, he bestowed the title of Prince of Lianness on the Eighth Prince. This banquet was to celebrate that event.

That day, An Qing and Yinqi left early with their children. Their destination wasn't far, just across a street. When they arrived, many carriages were already parked outside, indicating a large gathering.

Yinqi instinctively frowned, seeming somewhat worried.

An Qing guessed what he was concerned about. After Yongzheng became emperor, he bestowed titles on two princes: the Eighth Prince and the Thirteenth Prince.

The Thirteenth Prince's celebration was very low-key, inviting only family members. But now, the Eighth Prince was hosting a grand banquet, inviting many officials, which might suggest forming a faction.

After all, the Eighth Prince had been recommended by court officials as a potential crown prince. Now that Yongzheng was emperor, his position was sensitive, and such ostentation was not a good sign.

The banquet was indeed grand. Upon entering the courtyard, An Qing saw many familiar faces. Once the banquet began, she was led to the women's section, where she met the Ninth Princess, Tenth Princess, and Thirteenth Princess. The four of them walked together.

When they arrived, the Eighth Princess had just finished greeting others and approached them.

"Fifth Sister-in-law, Ninth Sister-in-law, Tenth Sister-in-law, Thirteenth Sister-in-law, welcome. Please sit down," said the Eighth Princess.

An Qing nodded with a smile and sat down, followed by the Ninth Princess and Tenth Princess.

"We haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet. Congratulations on Eighth Brother being appointed as the Chief Minister after being granted the title of prince," said the Tenth Princess with a cheerful smile.

The expression on the Eighth Princess Consort's face showed no joy as she said gloomily, "What is there to congratulate about? Who knows how long this position will last."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room froze.

An Qing's brows furrowed slightly, and she immediately reprimanded in a low voice, "Eighth Sister-in-Law, please be careful with your words. Don't bring trouble upon Eighth Brother!"

The Eighth Princess Consort was taken aback for a moment before realizing the implications. Apart from the sisters-in-law present, there were also several wives of high-ranking officials present.

If those words reached Yongzheng's ears, it would surely cause more trouble.

The Eighth Princess Consort couldn't help but panic. Although she spoke that way, she truly feared bringing disaster upon her husband.

Everyone fell silent, and for a moment, no one spoke, causing the atmosphere to become tense.

An Qing glanced at the Eighth Princess Consort, understanding why she had said those words.

After the second removal of the Crown Prince, the Fourth Prince's bid for the throne became clearer, inevitably putting him at odds with the Eighth Prince's faction. Over the years, the two brothers must have clashed numerous times.

Contesting the throne was not a game; it involved real bloodshed. Every move aimed to eliminate the opponent, thus deepening their enmity.

After ascending to the throne, Yongzheng promoted the Eighth Prince to a prince, perhaps hoping to mend their brotherly bond, but more likely out of concern for the power of the Eighth Prince's faction.

Regardless, the Eighth Princess Consort should not have voiced such sentiments. In the end, the victor writes history, and admitting defeat is part of the game. Speaking out of turn only invites more trouble.

An Qing sighed silently and said, "I'll pretend I didn't hear anything today. Once we leave this courtyard, I'll deny ever hearing it."

The others were momentarily stunned but quickly understood her meaning.

The Ninth Princess Consort and Thirteenth Princess Consort exchanged glances and promptly added, "We agree with Fifth Sister-in-Law."

The Tenth Prince was aligned with the Eighth Prince's faction, so the Tenth Princess Consort naturally wouldn't say anything either. The remaining people were the wives of high-ranking officials.

However, they weren't foolish. After An Qing and the Thirteenth Princess Consort made their stance clear, they had no choice but to remain silent.

After all, everyone knew that the current Emperor trusted Prince Yixin and Prince Heng the most.

With this, the incident was settled, and the banquet continued.

After the banquet ended, An Qing found Yinqi. They had already bid farewell to the Eighth Prince and the Eighth Princess Consort, so there was no need to approach them again.

But just as they were about to leave, they were stopped by the Eighth Prince and the Eighth Princess Consort who had arrived.

"Fifth Elder Brother, Fifth Sister-in-law, please stay."